The small district of Udupi, known to many as the ‘vegetarian hub of Karnataka’ is a rustic town nestled away in the southern part of the state. It’s home to a small population, many old and charming temples, and a sizeable spread of mind-blowing food.

The town lingers of the smell of tempered mustard seeds, fried red chillis, sizzling dosas and roasted upma. It captures both the taste buds and your imagination. Their sambar is slightly spicy and has a hint of jaggery. Buttermilk is a regular guest at their dinner table and jackfruit is the unsung hero of their warm kitchens.

The vegetables that commonly feature in the Udupi cuisine are pumpkin, gourd, yam, mangoes, cucumber, beans and various greens. The vegetables that don’t usually make it to the top of their list are cauliflower, cabbage, onion, garlic, potato and carrot. Fresh coconut, sesame seeds and pulp-y tamarind also compliment their list of ingredients. Udupi has a list of exhaustive dishes:

But the one masterpiece that has stood the test of time, and is near perfect is the ‘masala dosa’, Udupi’s most prized possession. Not only is it enjoyed all over the world, it’s one of India’s crowned culinary jewels.

Now, it’s time to taste the best and most iconic food from Udupi’s rich heritage. With a few tricky flavours, delicate ingredients and some help from us, make yourself an aromatic, rich and rustic South Indian meal.

1. Rasam

There’s nothing that a hot and steaming bowl of rasam can’t do. It’s made with toor dal, lots of pepper and tomatoes and can be eaten as soup or with steamed rice.

2. Ghorikai Uppakari (Beans)

This quick, easy and hassle-free dish is made of a cluster of beans, red chillies, crackling mustard seeds and shredded coconut.

3.Bissi Bele Bhath

Bisi Bele Bhaath is an extremely popular dish in Karnataka and can be eaten at any time of the day. It’s a spicy mix of vegetables, lentils, rice and can be served with papadam and a fiery pickle.

4.Paal Payasam

Heard about happy endings? That’s what this payasam is all about. A sweet end to a perfect meal. A delicious rice and milk pudding with cashews and raisins.

5. Masala Dosa

No words can describe just how unbelievable this dish is: Thin and crisp rice crepes stuffed with a spruced-up potato mash. It can be eaten at almost any time of the day and we assure you, it’s one dish you’ll never get bored of.

6. Masala Rava Idli

A healthier and probably more delicious version of the regular rice idli, rava idli is made is made with semolina (rava) and added flavors of peppers, curry leaves and mustard seeds.

7. Sambar

Winter is the perfect time to indulge in a hot bowl of this gorgeous sambar. Mixed lentils with drumsticks, coconut, tamarind and spices. This smart recipe is made with urad dal, tur dal and a little channa dal.

8. Murukku

It’s crispy, it’s gorgeous and it’s the perfect tea-time snack.

9. Allugedda (mashed masala potatoes)

A simple dish of mashed potatoes cooked with spices, black gram and tomatoes. Have it with poori or a thin and crisp dosa.

10. Rava Upma

This isn’t just the perfect breakfast recipe, it’s also really healthy. This rava upma is made with semolina, vegetables and topped with crunchy grated coconut.